What awaits us from media regulation law in Lebanon

Not long ago, there was widespread debate in Lebanon about the "new media bill". Everyone knows: Will it develop the profession and give guarantees to journalists, or on the contrary, tighten the screws more and increase restrictions? The issue is on the table seriously in the House of Representatives, and opinions are contradictory between those who see that this is a necessary update and those who are afraid of striking freedom of expression.

The current media law in Lebanon is very old, dating back more than 60 years. With the development of technology and social media, there is an urgent need for new legislation to regulate the media scene and keep pace with the times. From here, the new bill covers the written press, televisions, radio, and even websites and social media platforms.

But here is the argument:

• On one side, a housing project for the workers.There are people who say that the law gives official recognition to digital journalism, protects journalists from arbitrary arrest, and facilitates the work of media institutions through a clear legal framework.

• On the other hand,Human rights and journalistic associations consider that there are articles in the law that open the way for censorship and restrict content, especially if the authority interprets them in a narrow way. This leaves a great fear that it will become a tool to muzzle mouths instead of protecting freedoms.

The parliamentary committees discussed the draft more than once, and in amendments to reduce the level of objections. But for today, after there is no comprehensive consensus, and each step creates a new debate between supporter and opponent.

Overall, the new law, if it walks, could be a key milestone in the history of Lebanese media. But the remaining question: Will it really be modernization and protection, or will it open the door to harsher censorship in the shadow of the political and economic crises that we live in?

Key Themes and Recent Updates

So, for years, the talk has not stopped in Lebanon from the draft of the "new media law" to replace the outdated press law. Today, the discussion has become more serious after the Subcommittee on Administration and Justice approved a new version on September 11, 2025, and Minister Paul Morcos is adopting the project. But between the reforms that we talk about and the fears of restrictions, the picture after them is not clear.

1. Background of the project and where it happened

The current law of publications is outdated and does not meet the technological development and digital media. Because of this, there is a new project between us, and the last version was downloaded on the website of the Ministry of Information. The Administration and Justice Committee met with deputies and the Minister, and approved the nomination of candidates to the National Media Authority, which will play a key role in monitoring and organizing.

2. Granted points in the project

He remained in pretrial detention in cases of expression of opinion.

Reducing the criminalization of "libel and slander" as a criminal offense.

Update the subject of media licenses in a clearer and simpler way.

Establishing an "independent national body" with regulation and accountability.

Introducing principles such as codes of conduct: respecting privacy, combating hate speech, protecting journalists.

3. The points are worrying

In new proposals to return pretrial detention to cases of "violation of dignity or private life," this term is very broad and elastic.

The law requires media institutions to follow the periodic reports of the ministry and the authority, in which people see a method of censorship that is not regulated.

In materials that prohibit publication of the plaintiff during the course of the lawsuit, it means an additional restriction of the press.

The confidentiality of the discussions in the committee and the lack of participation of people or the media opens questions about transparency.

4. Attitudes of associations and jurists

14 Lebanese and international organizations called on the parliament to approve the law if it contains restrictions on freedom of expression.

Human Rights Watch and other organizations demanded that they comply with international standards and abolish any article that censors or arrests journalists.

On the other hand, media professionals and lawyers see that there is a real area of reform if the worrying materials are deleted and the powers of the national body are clearly defined.

5. What is missing and I want to follow up

The official text is now available on the ministry's website, but the amendments are then discussed.

In disputes over the independence and powers of the National Commission.

In a question: Will the space be opened for the participation of civil society, or will the law continue to cook secretly?

It is also important to see how it will be in line with the Lebanese Constitution and international agreements that Lebanon is a signatory to.

6. Conclusion and Scenarios

If the law is approved as it is, it may be Laura's step to freedom of information.

However, if serious amendments are made to delete disturbing materials, it can become a major correctional station as the media landscape changes.

The battle is in the hands of civil society and journalists to keep up the pressure and preserve freedoms.